Trails of Indochina

The "Bathing Buddha" ceremony is an important part of many Buddhist festivals, particularly in the traditional New Year festivals of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. During the "Bathing Buddha" ceremony, devotees pour fragrant water over Buddha statues. This act symbolizes the purification of one’s mind and body, aiming to cleanse away bad thoughts, deeds, and desires. The water used is often infused with scented flowers like jasmine, symbolizing virtue and purity. The ritual serves as a reminder to practice goodness and to cultivate peace and kindness in daily life. Traveling to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand during their New Year festival, held from April 13 to 16 every year, will give you the opportunity to experience this ceremony at any pagoda. On the occasion of New Year in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, Trails Of Indochina team wish you and your family happiness, glory, health, and joy. Our regional offices in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand will remain closed until April 16 for this festival. #trailsofindochina #bespoketravel

In a piece for Travel + Leisure (https://lnkd.in/gUsjW6Ec), author Chris Wallace recounts his journey back to Vietnam after a 15-year hiatus, spotlighting the remarkable changes he witnessed. He shares his profound admiration for Hue, particularly struck by its imperial architecture and his accommodation at the Ancient Hue Garden Houses. This complex, with its collection of five imperial garden houses and four French villas, offers a journey into Hue’s authentic Mandarin residential area and lifestyle where tradition, poetry, and spirit have been preserved over time, mirroring the sustainability ethos that Trails of Indochina fervently upholds. We take pride in The Ancient Hue Garden Houses' initiative in conserving Royal Houses and French Villas in Hue, showcasing meticulously restored historical dwellings that encapsulate the area's heritage while promoting sustainable tourism practices. #trailsofindochina #Ancienthuegardenhouses #villa #gardenview

Early April in South Korea signals the start of spring, marked by numerous flower festivals. Traveling in Seoul this season, you can immerse yourself in the flower festivals. The Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, held from March 29 to April 2, showcases the fleeting beauty of the pink King Cherry variant, similar to Japan's sakura. Located near the National Assembly Building in Yeouido, the festival attracts visitors to enjoy the blossoms and savor the flavor of ice cream, bingsu, and fish cakes made from cherry blossoms. Additionally, the Bucheon Wonmisan Azalea Festival, from April 12 to 14, offers hands-on activities amidst the azaleas, which come in red, white, purple, and pink, at Wonmisan Mountain and surrounding areas, found abundantly across the Korean peninsula. #trailsofindochina #bespoketravel #southkoreatravel #springinkorea

At the end of May, Trails of Indochina will welcome the first Fam trip group to explore the Wonders of Nature and Heritage of Vietnam. This year, we aim to present our themed experiences in Southeast Asia, such as Culture and History, Wellness, Culinary, Romance, and Family, as the Fam trips follow. Our partners will have an opportunity to inspect luxury accommodations and experience some of our exclusive services. If you are interested in our Fam trips, you can reach out to us at experience.seasia@trailsofindochina.com for more information. ⭐️Vietnam Fam Trip - The Wonders of Nature and Heritage 10D9N ⏳Travel Date: 22 – 31 May 2024 Explore the serene nooks of stunning nature and delve into the captivating narratives of three distinguished UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam. ⭐️Vietnam Fam Trip - A Journey Through History, Culture, and Culinary Delights 109N ⏳Travel Date: 18 - 27 June 24 Delve into the stories of the Royal empire and colonial period while exploring the cultural and culinary delights of Vietnam's Southern and Central regions. ⭐️Indonesia Fam Trip - Paradise in Mind, Body, and Spirit 9D8N ⏳Travel Date: 08 - 16 May 2024 Open your mind to the spiritual world of Bali and relax your body on the idyllic beaches of Lombok Island. ⭐️Thailand Fam Trip 10D9N ⏳Travel Date: 21 - 30 Aug 2024 Take yourself on an emotional voyage to explore the highlights of Thailand, from the spectacular Grand Palace in the bustling Bangkok, to the ancient temples in the serene ambiance of Chiang Mai, and finally, refresh your body on the pristine beaches of both the East and West coasts of Thailand. ⭐️Mekong River Cruise - Vietnam to Cambodia Fam Trip 10D9N ⏳Travel Date: 29 Aug 2024 - 07 Sep 2024 Discover the diverse culture and culinary delights of Indochina with Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise, passing through charming villages and heritage sites, soaking in the breath-taking scenery along the Mekong River, and indulging in delicious local cuisine.

Park Hyatt Saigon is renowned as the ideal destination for both business trips and family getaways, offering stunning views of Saigon's Opera House and convenient access to beloved historical and cultural sites. While staying at Park Hyatt, you will experience unparalleled comfort in luxurious guestrooms and suites featuring French Colonial design. Indulge in world-class dining experiences at the hotel's restaurants and bars, including Opera for authentic Italian cuisine, Square One for French and Vietnamese dishes, Park Lounge for afternoon tea, and 2 Lam Son for lively nightlife. Additionally, the hotel features unique meeting venues such as the Pool House with a private barbecue area and The Guest House with a show kitchen. For relaxation and rejuvenation, Xuan Spa offers wellness treatments inspired by Vietnamese traditional beauty rituals, alongside a fitness center and an elegant outdoor pool. Contact us for more details at hello@trailsofindochina.com. #trailsofindochina #parkhyattsaigon #Vietnamtravel #vietnam

BALI'S DAY OF SILENCE AND HINDU NEW YEAR The Day of Silence, known as Nyepi, will be observed in Bali on March 11, marking the Balinese New Year. On this day you will find everything is closed in Bali as it is a day of fasting and meditation. But on days preceding it, you will see people of Bali scrubbing clean the statues of Gods, praying, holding ceremonies and conducting various rituals. Before The Day of Silence, you will have the opportunity to participate fully in the fascinating world of Ogoh-ogoh, a sacred tradition observed on Nyepi eve. This tradition is meant to banish evil and usher in good fortune for the year ahead. Join the Balinese in this unique ritual as you immerse yourself in the vibrant energy and intricate artistry of these life-sized, mythical Ogoh-ogoh sculptures. These sculptures come alive after sunset accompanied by spiritual gamelan music and parades. Taking place all over Bali, the best of this cultural extravaganza can be experienced in Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and other famous beaches. Don't miss the chance to be part of this unique celebration, where tradition and creativity blend seamlessly for a truly unforgettable experience. #trailsofindochina #tailoredtravel #indonesiatravel #bali #nyepiday

MAKHA BUCHA IN THAILAND February 24, 2024 Marked as a national holiday, Makha Bucha celebrates the Buddha’s first sermon to his disciples when the main Buddhist principles were first set out. It is always held on the full moon of the third lunar month in the Thai Lunar Calendar; therefore, the actual date differs from year to year. In the morning, Thai people wake up early to give alms to monks. In the evening, they visit temples to listen to sermons and perform the candle ceremony. Sale of alcohol is banned on religious holidays; therefore, bars and clubs are closed as well. Traveling in Thailand on Makha Bucha day, you can experience morning offerings to monks, offering items that monks are not allowed to purchase themselves: food, candles, incense, soaps, and other small hygiene items. Temples are open to the public, and visitors are free to enter for the evening celebration. Our office in Bangkok will be closed from February 24 - 26. Our Customer Care will continue to monitor emails and calls for cases of emergency. #trailsofindochina #tailoredtravel #thailandtravel #thailand #bangkokthailand #makhabucha

WELLNESS JOURNEY - THE TRANQUIL HAVEN OF BHUTAN Discover the serene haven of Bhutan, where the Land of the Thunder Dragon unfolds its glorious beauty and cultural richness, beckoning nature lovers, spiritual seekers, and history enthusiasts alike. On this 9-day 8-night journey, find moments of tranquility and self-discovery as you immerse in the fullest range of Bhutan’s qualities amidst the winding valleys and dramatic mountain landscapes. Delve into the heart of Bhutanese life with a visit to a traditional farmstead, indulge in an exclusive private meditation class, and join an empowering Tshewang prayer ceremony alongside monks and lamas. Coupling Bhutan’s tranquil embrace with luxurious 5-star hospitality, prepare yourself for an extraordinary wellness experience that enriches the mind, body, and soul. Find the detailed itinerary here: https://rb.gy/qfxxyc

The most awaited celebration in Vietnam, Tet New Year, is just around the corner! This is the most festive time to visit the country and immerse yourself in the charm of Quang Phu Cau Craft Village in Hanoi, known for its century-old tradition of crafting exquisite incense sticks. While the village operates all year round, get ready to be greeted with a vibrant sea of crimson and pink incense bouquets and calming natural fragrance. Especially with the Vietnamese using more incense sticks during Tet for ancestral worship, the village becomes livelier with preparations. Explore the artistry behind traditional incense-making, passed down through generations. Witness the skilled artisans at work as they engage in the fascinating process, from bamboo chopping to dye dipping to incense powder mixing. Delve into a cultural journey and meet the warm-hearted villagers preserving this craftwork legacy. Trails of Indochina offers authentic and bespoke experiences in exploring the local culture throughout Southeast Asia. Join us now to discover the rich Vietnamese tradition this festive season. #trailsofindochina #tailoredtravel #vietnamtravel #hanoi #traditionalcraft

Save the date and meet us at ITB Berlin 2024! Taking place from March 5-7 at Berlin Exhibition Grounds, Trails of Indochina is thrilled to be in attendance and share exciting updates along with our latest products and collection of bespoke experiences across Southeast Asia. Find us at Booth 202, Hall 26, where Jina Bao Anh, Leisure Manager, and Phill Skyba, Sales and Business Development Manager, look forward to forging connections and exchanging insights. For one-to-one appointments, do not hesitate to contact us at: appointment@trailsofindochina.com #trailsofindochina #bespoketravel #ITBBerlin2024